Apparatus for counting and sorting coins



June 1962 G. F. w. ALMQUIST APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING COINS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 6, 1959 June 26, 1962 G. F. w. ALMQUIST 3,040,858

APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING COINS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 6, 1959 June 1962 G. F. w. ALMQUIST APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING COINS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 6, 1959 June 1952 G. F. w. ALMQUIST APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING cows 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 6, 1959 June 26, 1 G. F. w. ALMQUIST APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING cows 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 6, 1959 MR 1 TR DR June 1962 G. F. w. ALMQUIST APPARATUS FOR COUNTING AND SORTING COINS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 6, 1959 Fig.6

United States Patent Ofitice 3,040,858 Patented June 26, 1 962 3,040,858 APPARATUS FOR COIIIlRlITING AND SORTING C S Gustav Fredrik Wilhelm Almquist, Idrottsgatau 3, Solna, Sweden Filed July 6, 1959, Ser. No. 825,047 4 Claims. (Cl. 194-6) The present invention rel-ates to an apparatus for the counting and sorting of coins.

The purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type mentioned, which has a high capacity and which is entirely reliable.

According to the invention, the apparatus, which comprises means for the delivery of coins onto a sorting track, means for the collection of the sorted coins and control means to control the functions of the apparatus, is essentially characterized by a selector device, which is so designed that, when a coin has engaged a contact member for one sort of coin, it excites a counting relay provided for this particular sort of coin, which relay, then is momentarily maintained energized, so as to enable the selector device in operation thereof to emit pulses, corresponding to the energized condition of said counting relay and acting firstly to effect the discharge of the coin into its collecting means, secondly to actuate a readable counting device, thirdly to actuate tens-transfer means, and fourthly, after completed counting to attend to the deenergization of the counting relay.

According to the invention the selector device preferably consists of a rotary switch, which is arranged to be automatically started when any one of the contact members is actuated and, immediately after the start thereof to close a contact so that it is automatically maintained moving for one revolution and, when it is back in its zero position, to open this contact again. Preferably the selector is arranged to be started by means of a starting relay, which, in turn, is arranged to be excited by means of a drop relay, which is arranged to be momentarily energized at the manual actuation of a control member, arranged to adapt the apparatus for sorting and counting, and which drop relay, when energized, transfers pulses from the contact members to the starting relay, so that this is excited and thereby again tie-energize the drop relay. The tens-transfer means preferably consist of rotary switches, suitably of the same principal design as that of the rotary switch emitting said counting pulses. The tens-transfer switches may be arranged to actuate tens-transfer relays of the same design and operation as that of the counting relays. These tenstnansfer relays preferably are arranged to deliver their pulses under the intermediary of disconnecting relays,

which are normally closed and open the tens-transfer circuit, but are deenergized and close this circuit immediately before the tens-transfer operation is brought about, and, at said tens-transfer operation, are energized again and then maintained energized by means of the corresponding tens-transfer relay.

With particular respect to the high speed of the rotary switch arranged for counting and the rather strong currents it is appropriate that this switch is arranged to deliver pulses to pulse-relays which, in turn, at the excitation actuate the counting device and the tens-transfer means, so that they each are moved one step forward for each excitation.

A particularly suitable embodiment of the apparatus accordingto the invention is characterized in that the contact members consist of contact arms for each sort of coin, said arms being arranged to be actuated by continuously reciprocating abutment means through the intermediary of the coins, and said abutment means being arranged, firstly, to bring about the above mentioned actuation of the corresponding contact arm, and, secondly, to push out the coin into its collecting means.

In order that, besides sorting and counting, also seriescounting of the number of coins of a predetermined sort may be carried out, without counting the amount of the coins, one of the rotary switches for tens-transfer preferably also arranged for the counting of the number of coins in a manner such that it for actuation of the contact arm for the sort of coins to be counted emits a pulse, firstly, to actuate a second readable counting device, secondly, to bring about the pushing out of the coin, and, thirdly, to move the number counting switch one step forwardly for each actuation, whereby the apparatus' preferably is to be provided with a switch by means of which the driving circuit of the number counting switch may be opened. Preferably the numbercounting switch is adapted to actuate an auxiliary relay which, when energized, brings about said pulse transmission.

The invention will be disclosed in more details hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show each, parts of a wiring diagram for the components of the apparatus according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram covering certain components of the apparatus according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of the apparatus according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of the apparatus according to FIG. 4.

The apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a conveyor 10, by means of which the coins are fed onto a track 11, which has been given such an inclination, as to cause the coins to roll down along it. When the coins roll along the track 11, they touch, all according to their sizes, a number of contact arms, A1-A8, arranged at decreasing heights above the track, whereby the coins by means of rejecting pins Ul-US are rejected into shafts 12 of circular cross section as set forth in detail below. Below, these shafts are provided with trap doors, not shown, so that the coins may occasionally be collected in the shafts. When the trap doors are withdrawn, one at a time or all together, the coins fall down into containers 13. It is also possible to introduce coin wraps, for instance made of paper, into the shafts wherein the coins are packed by so called tubing, as will be explained in more detail below. The amounts of the sorted coins are registered on a counter RV14, whereas the number thereof is registered on a counter RVIS. The various functions of the apparatus are controlled by means of a number of keys T, which in FIG. 3 have been given different additional marks, such as O, S, SR, 1-8 and G, in order that they may be distinguished from each other.

The apparatus comprises three rotary switches V1, V2 and V3 with control contact groups SKI, SKZ .and SK3, and stepping relays VRI, VRZ and VR3. For the starting of the switch V1 there is provided a starting relay SR which co-operates with a drop relay DR. A checking relay KR is adapted to supervise the switches return to their zero-position. The apparatus as a whole is zeroized by means of a zeroizing relay OR. The switch V1 is adapted to actuate eight counting relays Rl-RS, and by means of such switch also two tens-transfer relays, TRI and TR2 are actuated, of which last mentioned relays each is adapted to co-operate with a disconnecting relay BRl and BR2, resp. The switch V1, moreover, is adapted to actuate three pulse relays 1R1, IR2 and 1R3. To start and shut off the conveyor motor, not shown, the apparatus is provided with a motor relay MR, and

for purposes, which will be explained below, it comprises a tubing relay TR and an auxiliary relay HR. A changeover relay PR is provided for the switch V2.

The rotary switch V1 is provided with three contact bank levels B, C and D, each bank containing thirty points, which on the drawing have been given the numbers to 29 from the left, and also, arranged opposite and parallel thereto separate points or contact rails. When the switch is driven round, the contact points of said levels are successively connected to the opposite points or contact rails by means of wipers not shown. Furthermore, the switch V1 is provided with a cam disc with cam member 14, which is adapted to operate the control contact group SKI. The switch V2 is provided with three contact bank levels E, F, and H, and a cam disc with cam member 15, and is principally of the same design as that of the switch V1. The switch V3 is provided with a contact bank level K and a cam disc with cazn member 15, and is, moreover, of principally the same design as that of the switches V1 and V2.

Although not all of the reference characters are indicated on the drawing, the contact springs of all relays and other switches are supposed to be designated by Arabic numerals from below and upwards, respectively, or from left to right respectively, in each case preceded by the designation of the corresponding component. Thus, the designation T8:4 relates to the fourth contact spring from the left of the contact spring group of the key T3, and, analogous to this, the designation V1B:2 relates to the third contact point from the left of the bank level B of the switch V1, as these contact points start their numbering from 0. The reference sign near the end of a wire indicates to which contact point or contact spring such wire really is connected. All components are shown in their rest position. The operation of apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, will now be discussed in more detail.

Sorting and Counting the Amount of the Coins Normally, the apparatus is connected to a line supply, whereby the rectifier, not shown, of the apparatus applies a voltage to all contact members designated with a plus sign. The coins are assumed to have been charged into the conveyor 10.

First, the apparatus is zeroized by a momentary depression of the key TO. Hereby the circuits T022, T021, RV14 and RV15 are closed, so that the counter RV14 and RV15 are zeroized. Further, a circuit TO:5, TO:6, OR, is closed, so that the zeroizing relay OR is energized. Then this relay is kept energized over the circuit KRzl, KR22, OR:1 and OR:2, until the switches V2 and V3 are zeroized. During the period when the relay OR is energized the rotary switch V2 is first stepped to its zero position, whereby the current takes the course OR:9, ORzlfl, VR2:1, VR2:2, SK2:4, SK225, VR2, Then, the rotary switch V3 is stepped to its zero position, whereby the current takes the course OR:9, OR:10,VR2:1, VR2:2, SK2z4, SK2z3, VR3:1, VR3:2, SK3:3, SK3:4, VR3, When the zeroizing relay OR is energized the disconnecting relays BRl and BR2 are also energized over the circuits OR:1-1, OR212, BRl, and OR:13, OR114, BR2, respectively. The disconnecting relays BR1 and BR2 then are kept energized by means of the holding circuits KM BR122, BR123, BR1,, and Ezt), BR2:2, BR223, BR2, respectively. As soon as the rotary switches V2 and V3 are zeroized the relay KR is energized over the circuit: SK3z2, SK321, SK2:2, SKZzl, KR, TSRzS, TSR:4, Thus the holding circuit for the relay OR will be interrupted at the contacts KR:1, KRzZ, so that the relay OR again drops.

Then, the key TSR is depressed, which is mechanically retained in the depressed position. The motor relay MR is connected to plus over TRzS and TR16, and at the depressing of the key TSR it is led to minus over TRzZ,

4 TR11, TSR27 and TSR28, wherefore it is energized, so

that the conveyor 10 starts to feed the unsorted coins-- onto the track 11. At the depressing of the key TSR, moreover, minus from TSRz4 is led to TSR23 and further on to the coil of the drop relay DR, which is connected to plus over SRzl, SR12, SK121 and SK1:2, whereby the drop relay DR is momentarily energized, so that the contact springs of this latter relay, DR:1-DR:2, DR:3DR:4, etc. close in pairs. In this way the apparatus is positioned for counting.

As soon as a coin, for instance a five-ore-piece on the track 11 touches its contact arm A, in this case the contact arm A2, a circuit A2, T628, T627, DR216, DR115, SR:5, SR:6, SR, is closed, wherefore the start relay SR is energized. As the contact springs SRzS, SR:6 and SR:7 are arranged for continuous switching, i.e. so that SR:6 makes contact with SR:7 beforeit leaves SR:5, the relay SR is then kept energized over Dztt, SR27, SR:6, SR, The drop relay DR is again deenergized as its holding circuit over SR:1 and SRI2 is interrupted at the excitation of the relay SR. At the excitation of the relay SR a circuit SR:4, SR:3, VR1:2, VR1:1, VR1, is closed and therefore the stepping relay VR1 is energized. At the excitation this relay tensions a stepping spring for the stepping mechanism of the rotary switch V1, and, at the same time, it interrupts its own holding circuit over VR1:2 and VR1:1, for which reason it is again deenergized.

At the deenergization of the relay VR1 the spring moves the switch V1 one step forward, whereby the holding current of the start relay SR from the rotary switch point D10 is interrupted, so that said start relay SR is deenergized, and the cam 14 releases the contact spring SK122, so that the latter is led over to the contact spring SK1:3, whereby the contact spring VR1:2 of the stepping relay VR1 is led to plus for a complete revolution of the switch. This is now stepped around on account of the stepping relay VR1 being automatically energized and deenergized.

Assuming now that no other coin than the previously mentioned five-ore-piece has rolled along the track 11 and actuated its contact arm A, then nothing happens until the switch V1 has been advanced to position 9, whereby the following circuit is closed: A2, T6:8, T6:7, B:9, S17, R3, so that the counting relay R3 is excited. At the excitation, the counting relay R3 closes a circuit R3:4, R323, T6210, T6:11, UM2, so that the rejecting magnet UM2, FIG. 6, is energized and by means of the rejecting pin U2 pushes the coin away from the track 11 and down into the shaft 12. The counting relay R3 remains energized as it receives holding current over the circuit R3z2, R311, R3, and therefore the rejecting magnet remains energized.

In order that the rejecting pin U2 shall not prevent the coins from rolling along the track 11, the arrangement is such that the rejecting magnet UM2 actuates the pin U2 through a mechanism which transfers the actuation movement of the magnet armature to the rejecting pin, and, then, releases said pin to permit it to be returned by means of a spring.

The mechanism just mentioned is shown in FIG. 6.

The armature 17 of the rejecting magnet UM2 is loaded by means of a spring 18 and is arranged to swing a lever 19. At one end this lever is provided with a swingable pawl 20, which is pressed against the rejecting pin U2 by means of a leaf spring 21. its normal position by a pressure spring 22. The pawl 20 is provided with a cam surface 23, which is adapted to engage a fixed stop 24, and, furthermore, the pawl is formed with a nose 25 which is adapted to engage a groove 26 in the rejecting pin U2. When the rejecting magnet UM2 is energized, the rejecting pin is pushed outwards, i.e. downwards on the drawing, so that the coin is rejected. After a certain movement of the pawl 20 the cam surface 23 thereof engages the stop 24, so that the nose 25 is withdrawn from the groove 26, said Said pin is retained in pin U2 then being returned to its normal position by means of the spring 22, in spite of the magnet remaining energized. When the magnet is again deenergized, the nose 25 of the pawl is again engaged into the groove 26 inasmuch as the pawl is pressed against the rejecting pin U2 by means of the spring 21. Of course, the mechanism is of the same design in the case of all rejecting magnets UM.

As the coin is now rejected, the circuit from the contact arm A2 is open, but, instead, the counting relay R3 is kept energized to complete the circuit l, R3:2, R3z1, S17. Therefore, as the rotary switch V1 is stepped around, five plus pulses are obtained over the contacts B:10, Bz12, 13:14, B16 and B18, through the common conductor L18, to the coil of the pulse relay 1R1, and, as this is connected to minus, the pulse relay 1R1 is successively energized and deenergized five times. Thereby, five plus pulses are delivered over the contact springs IR1:4 and IR113 to the digit Wheel ET of the lowest order of the counting device RV14, said wheel thus being positioned to show the figure 5. Further, over the contact springs IR-1z2 and IRlzl, five more plus pulses are sent to the stepping relay VRS of the rotary switch V3 to enable a counting of tens.

When the stepping relay VR3 receives these five plus pulses, it is successively energized and deenergized five times, each time moving the switch V3 one step forward in the same way as discussed above with reference to the rotary switch V1. Thus, the switch V3 stops in position 5.

Then, the switch V1 arrives at the position 19, wherein it closes the circuit R312, R3z1, S17, B119, R3, so that the relay R3 is deenergized, as is also the rejecting magnet UM2. Assuming now, that there is no further coin in the apparatus, then, the rotary switch V1 is automatically stepped around, until the cam 14 separates the contact springs SK122 and SK1:3, so that the contact spring VR1:2 of the stepping relay VRl is disconnected from the current supply, thus causing the switch V1 to be stopped in its zero position.

If, on the other hand, a coin has rolled down along the track 11 and actuated its contact arm A, when the switch Vll, after the above-mentioned cycle, arrives at the position 20, two principally difierent possibilities for continued counting present themselves, viz. firstly, by use of the not yet passed contact points of the rotary switch V1, and, secondly, by automatically restarting the rotary switch V1, when it has completed one revolution.

For the sake of simplicity it is first assumed that the new coin is a two-ore-piece. This coin has rolled forward and actuated its contact arm A5, when the switch V1 leaves the position 19, as mentioned above. From the contact arm A5, therefore, plus has been laid to the contact spring DRzlS of the drop relay DR, but as this relay is deenergized nothing happens in the apparatus until the switch V1 has completed its turn. At the zero position of the switch V1 the drop relay, the coil of which is connected to minus through the contact springs TSR13 and TSR:4, will be connected to plus over the contact springs SKlzZ, SKlzl, SR22 and SR:1, whereby the drop relay DR is energized and, in turn, over the circuit A5, T7z8, T7:7, DR:18, DR: 17, SR:5, SR26, SR, energizes the start relay SR, which receives a brief holding plus from the contact D:1 and, when excited, supplies plus onto the contact spring VRlzZ by which the switch V1 is started. Then, the switch is kept moving during one complete revolution, as the contact springs SK1:2 and SK1:3 are connected, as has already been mentioned above. When the rotary switch V1 has been advanced to the position 4, the circuit l, A5, T7 :8, T7:7, B4, S19, R2, is closed, so that the counting relay R2 is energized and provides for the rejection of the two'ore-piece through intermediary of the rejecting magnet UMS resp. the rejecting pin U5, and, at the same time, obtains se1f-holding over the contact springs R22 and R2:1, as has already been discussed with reference to the relay R3, and puts plus onto the contact rail SE9. In the positions 5 and 7 two plus pulses are supplied to the conductor L18, whereby the pulse relay 1R1, in the same way as has been mentioned above, is energized and deenergized twice and at each operation provides for a stepping, firstly, of the digit wheel ET, and, secondly, of the rotary switch V3, arranged for the counting of tens, each one step forward. In the switch position 8 the counting relay R2 is again released in the same way as mentioned with respect to the relay R3. The various parts of the apparatus are now in the same positions as described above in connection with the switch V1 which then was to leave the position' 19, but with the exception that the digit wheel ET now is positioned to show figure 7 and the switch V3 stands in the position 7. If there is no further coin in the apparatus, the rotary switch V1 now completes its turn and is stopped in the zero position.

It shall be assumed however, that a twenty-five-orepiece has arrived at its contact ar-m A6 and has actuated this when the two-ore-piece is counted. It should be mentioned that the twenty-five-iire-piece without obstruction may roll on to its contact arm A6 and, thus, keep plus in readiness already when the two-ore-piece is registered, as the drop relay DR thereby is released and the rejecting pin U5 for the two-ore-piece has been automatically returned by means of its return spring, immediately after the rejection.

As the rotary switch V1 in this case is stepped forward from the last registering position 8, it in the position 20 by means of the contact B2t} closes the circuit A6, T4z8, T4:7, B:2t), S26, R5, so that the counting relay R5 is energized, this relay then providing for the rejection of the twenty-five-ore-piece through the intermediary of the rejecting magnet UM6 and the rejecting pin U6 respectively, and, at the same time, obtaining self-holding over the contact springs R5 :2 and R5 :1, as mentioned with respect to the relays R2 and R3, as Well as applying plus onto the contact rails S20, S21 and S22. In the switch positions 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 five plus pulses are transferred to the conductor L18, so that the pulse relay 1R1, as mentioned above, is energized and deenergized five times, and, at each operation, provides for a stepping of, firstly, the digit wheel ET, and, secondly the switch V3, arranged for the counting of tens, each one step onward. After this counting the digit wheel ET, around which the figures 0-9 are spaced, has been turned past the zero position and has been positioned to show the figure 2, and, at the same time, the rotary switch V3 has been stepped to the position 12 during which operation it has carried out a tens-transmission, as will be described below.

During the above discussed counting of five one-digitpulses for the twenty-five-ore-piece two plus pulses in the switch positions 22 and 24 by means of the contact points C:22 and 0:24 are transferred from the contact rail S22 to a conductor L19. The conductor L19 is connected to a pulse relay 1R2, which is thereby energized and deenergized twice. At each operation this pulse relay 1R2 provides for a stepping of, firstly, the tens digit wheel TT of the counting device RV14, and, secondly, a second rotary switch V2, arranged for counting of tens, each one step forward. The switch V2 is stepped and released in principally the same way as the rotary switches V1 and V3. When, in the switch position 29, the last one of the five one-digit-pulses has been registered, the switch V1 continues to the zero position, in which the relay R5 is released by means of a plus pulse from the rail 21 to the contact Bzt) and then to the relay coil. At the same time, the stepping relay VRl of the rotary switch V1 is disconnected from the current supply by means of the cam 14, as has already been mentioned. The switch V1, however, does not stop at this position, as will now be described.

The switch V2, which has been positioned in position 2 at the just mentioned transmission of two tens pulses from the contact spring IR2:1 of the pulse relay 1R2, gives plus from the plus contact rail of the contact level E to the contact spring DRzS of the drop relay DR through the closed contact springs BR1:2 and BRizi of the disconnecting relay BRl. When the drop relay is momentarily energized in the zero position of the switch V1, this plus is transferred onto the contact spring DR:'7 of the drop relay, so that the starting relay SR is excited and again starts the rotary switch in the manner already mentioned.

During the above-mentioned counting operation, the switch V3 has, as already indicated, received twelve onedigit-pulses from the pulse relay 1R1, and the digit wheel ET of the lowest order has been turned one revolution on to the position two. The tens digit wheel TT has, however, only been positioned in position 2 and, likewise, the switch V2 has only been stepped forward to the position 2.. The tens-transmission called for is carried out in the following manner:

In the position 8 of the switch V3 the holding circuit of the disconnecting relay BRl, which circuit starts from the plus rail of the switch level K, is opened, wherefore this relay is deenergized and prepares for the tens transmission. Then, as the switch V3 is stepped forward to the position 10, the plus rail of this switch is connected to the conductor L and, before the switch V3 has been stepped forward to the position 18, the switch V1 passes the position 15, where the contact point C:15 is connected to the contact rail S24. Thereby, the tens transfer relay TR1 is energized and receives holding current over the circuit TR1:2, TR121, At the same time, the tens transfer relay TR1 again energizes the disconnecting relay BRl by means of the contact springs TR1:3 and TR1:4, whereafter the disconnecting relay is kept energized, as has already been mentioned. As the tens transfer relay TR1 is now energized, plus by the contact springs TR122 and TR1:1 is transferred onto the contact rail S22. When the switch V1 then passes the position 16, the circuit TR1:2, TR:1, S22, V1C216, L19, LR2, is closed, the pulse relay 1R2 thereby delivering a plus pulse to the tens digit wheel TT and to the switch V2, thus stepping them one step each forward. Thus, the counting device VR14 has now been positioned into position 32, which is the amount of the sorted coins. In the position 17 of the switch V1 the circuit S24, V1Cz17, T R1, is closed, and therefore the tens transfer relay TR1 is again deenergized, whereas the disconnecting relay BRl, however, remains energized.

Parallel to the rail S24 there is disposed another contact rail S26 with corresponding contact points Cz27, 0:28 and Cz29, which are arranged parallel to the contact points C215, C116 and C:17, and, therefore, a tens trans fer operation may take place also in this switch position, if desired. These last mentioned members have been arranged only in order that the capacity of the switch V1 may be utilized in the best way possible.

As far as sorting and counting are concerned the circuits of the different types of coins are principally alike, and therefore a further description thereof is considered to be superfluous. However, it should be mentioned that a tens transfer of the above discussed kind is not required as regards kronor, and two kronor-pieces. The sum total of kronor and two-kronor is directly indicated and registered in the counting device VRM, which contains several digit wheels for the indication of the one-digit-, tendigits-, hundred-digits figure, etc. of the kronor amount. Between these wheels the tens transfer is performed by mechanical means.

Tubing When packing coins in coin wrappers, so-called tubing, whereby the apparatus, each time, works with one type of coin only, the zeroizing key T0 is first depressed, so that the apparatus is zeroized as described above.

Then, one of the tubing keys T1-T8 for the type of coin in question is depressed, for instance for two-kronor pieces. Hereby, the circuit T1126, TR25, MR, T111, T122, is closed, so that the motor relay MR is energized and starts the conveyor 10, so that the coins are fed onto the track 11.

When the first two-kronor piece actuates its contact arm Al, the following circuit is closed: All, T118, T129, HR, TSR:6, TSR:7, TR:1, TR22, so that the auxiliary relay HR is energized. Hereby, the latter sends a plus pulse through the path TR16, TR:5, HRzS, HR:6 to the counting device RV15, so that the coin is regis tered therein. At the same time, the auxiliary relay HR sends a plus pulse through the path T6211, TG210, HR:4, HR:3 to the stepping relay VR2 of the rotary switch V2, which relay steps the switch V2 one step forward. :Finally, the auxiliary relay HR sends a plus pulse through the path TR26, TR25, HR:1, HR12, T1212, T1211 to the rejecting magnet UM:1, so that the coin is rejected from the track 11.

When twenty-five coins have been rejected from the track 11 in the manner explained, and the rotary switch accordingly is positioned in the position 25, the circuit Fz25, T1:5, T124, TR, is closed, so that the tubing relay TR is energized and obtains holding current over the circuit 'I'OzS, TO:4, TS:3, TRt4, TR23, TR, Thereby, the circuit TR12, TR:1, TSRz7, TSR26, HR, is opened, so that the auxiliary relay HR cannot be excited by means of the twenty-sixth coin. This, therefore, remains on the track 11, so that the coin wrapper with the rejected twenty-five coins may be replaced by an empty one. At the energizing of the tubing relay TR even the circuit TR26, TRzS, MR, etc. is opened, so that the motor relay MR is disconnected and temporarily stops the driving motor of the conveyor 10. When the tubing relay TR is kept energized the circuit TR:10, TRz9, VR211, VR222, SK224, SKZz'S, VR2, is closed, so that the rotary switch V2 returns to the zero position.

When the wrapper has been replaced, the key TS is depressed, whereby the holding circuit of the tubing relay T015, TO:4, T824, T823, TRz4, TR23, TR, is opened, so that this relay is deenergized. Thereby, the circuit TR:2, TR:1, TSRz7, TSR:6, HR, is closed, so that the auxiliary relay HR again may be energized by means of the twenty-sixth coin as well as. by the next ones in turn.

When tubing other coins than two-kronor-pieces, more contact points are required in the rotary switch V2, wherefore the switch must be driven two revolutions for each tubing cycle, and thereby use the contact level F and then the contact level H.

When the switch V2 by tubing of for example two-ore pieces, has been stepped forward into the position 29, the circuit F229, PR, is closed, and therefore the change over relay PR is energized. Thereby, plus over the contact springs FR:2, FRzl is laid to the hitherto inactive contact rail S27 of the switch level P, and, furthermore, the change over relay FR obtains holding current through the following path -I-, DR:7, DR:8, TR:8, TR:7, FRz5, FR14, FR, When the switch V2 on its second revolution arrives at the position 20, i.e. corresponding to fifty coins, a circuit is closed from the rail S27 to the contact springs T7 :5 and T724 of the now actuated key T7, so that the tubing relay TR again is energized and temporarily stops the apparatus in order to permit the replacement of the wrapper. Then, the apparatus is again started in the way already mentioned by depressing the key TS, so that the tubing relay TR is deenergized, as is also the change over relay FR.

Series Counting Series counting is carried out when it is desired to count the number of coins of one sort only. Thereby, the

9 key TG is depressed and the motor relay is energized over the contact springs TG:1 and TGz2. Further, the key for the type of coin in question is depressed, in this example the key T7, which deals with two-ore-pieces.

As is already mentioned, when tubing, it is necessary to have a current over the contact springs TGzlil, HR:4 and HR:3 for the stepping of the switch V2. As the contact springs TG211 and TK210 are now separated, the switch V2 remains standing during the series counting. As in the case of the described tubing, plus pulses are obtained from the contact arms A, in this instance the arm A5, and these pulses over the path A5, T7 :8, T729, HR, TSR:6, TSR:7, TR:1, TR:2, provide for the energizing of the auxiliary relay. Thereby, this through its contact springs HR:5 and HR:6 emits a counting impulse to the counting device RV15. At the same time, it through the contacts T7 :12 and T7 :11 emits a pulse to the rejecting magnet UMS by means of the contact springs HRzl and HR:2, so that the coin is rejected and a new coin may roll forward and actuate the contact arm A5. This is then continuously repeated until the apparatus is stopped or the coins in the conveyor 10 are exhausted.

The embodiment according to FIG. 4 is distinguished from the one in FIG. 1 in that the coins on the track 11 shall not actuate any contact arms and then be rejected from this track by means of an electro-mechanic device of the kind shown in FIG. 6. In this second embodiment the coins are instead diverted from the track by means of wedge formed projections K1-K8 which are arranged at successively decreasing heights above the track 11. Then, the coins drop down into channels 27, FIGS. 4 and 7, where they are placed on edge, one on top of the other, and are kept in readiness for the counting.

As is shown in FIG. 7 a hunting magnet AM1AM8, is arranged for each channel, and when the apparatus is running these hunting magnets are energized and deenergized in rapid succession by means of a hunting relay AT, common for all the magnets. To the armature of the hunting magnet loaded with a spring 28, is secured a lever 29 which extends through an aperture in the back wall 27A of the channel 27. At its outer end the lever 29 is provided with an abutment '30 and a support tongue 31. When the magnet AM is energized, the abutment 30 is pushed outwards, so that it projects a little beyond the level of the outside of the bow-shaped ribs 32 at the lower end of the channel 27. Along the level just men tioned a moveable contact 33 extends across an opening 34 in the front wall of the channel. When there is no coin in the channel, the abutment 30 is free to move forwards and backwards. If, however, a coin stands on the ribs 32 when the abutment 30 is pushed outwards, said abutment engages the coin and pushes it away from the ribs 32, so that it slides down onto the supporting tongue 31. When the coin is displaced outwards, it pulls outwards the contact arm 83, so that the contact springs AM621 and AM6:3, FIG. 5 actuated by the contact arm 33, are laid against their fixed contact springs AM622 and AM624, resp. When the abutment 30 returns, the lower edge of the inside of the coin abuts the ribs 32, whereas the supporting tongue 31 is pulled away, so that the coin drops down into the shaft 12.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described in more detail with reference especially to FIG. 5, wherein are shown those parts only which imply an alteration as compared with FIGS. 2 and 3. When the apparatus is started, after a previous actuation of the zeroizing key T0, for instance by depressing the key TSR so that sorting and counting is performed, a circuit AR:1, ARzZ, AR, TSR:3, TSR:4, is closed, so that the hunting relay AR is energized, and again opens the just mentioned circuit, for which reason it is again deenergized, whereafter it is energized once more, and so on. In order that the deenergizing may take place at a moderate speed a condenser 35 is connected between a centre tap of the.

coil of the hunting relay AR and minus. Each time the hunting relay AR is energized, its contact springs AR:3AR:4, AR:5--AR:6, a.s.o. are closed by the pair so that the hunting magnets AMI-AM6 are energized, and these later open when the hunting relay AR is released. Therefore, the levers 29, are continuously reciprocated so that the abutments 30 as well as the tongues 31 carry out a reciprocating movement. As soon as a coin enters between an abutment 31 and the. corresponding contact arm 33 this contact arm is actuated, so that the contact springs AM6:1 and AM623, for example, actuated by said contact arm, are laid against their fixed contact springs, i.e. in this case AM6:2 and AM6:4. Thereby, the hunting magnet AM6 receives holding current over the circuit TSR:2, TSRzl, AM6:1, AM6:2, AM6, T6:11, T6z10, R3z4, R3:3, wherefore it briefiy remains energized. At the same time, the circuit AM6z3, AM6:4, T6:8, DR:16, DR:15, SR:5, SR:6, SR, is closed, as. the drop relay DR has been temporarily excited already at the depressing of the key TSR, as mentioned regarding the embodiment according to FIG. 1. When the latter circuit is closed, the switch V1 is started, and in the position 9 of same the counting relay R3 is excited in the same manner as has already been mentioned above. Thereby, the holding circuit of the hunting magnet AM6 opens, so that the magnet is deenergized, the coin then being pushed off from the supporting tongue 31 to drop down into the shaft 12. Then, the counting is carried out in the same way as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, until the counting relay R3 again is released at position 19 of the switch V1. Simultaneously, with the counting described above other coins also may be counted. Supposing that there are coins in the corresponding channels, a one-'ore, ten-ore and a one-kronapiece, for instance, are counted in the switch positions 1, 2 and 3, respectively; in the switch positions 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 a two-ore-piece is counted, and in the switch positions 4-14 a fifty-ore-piece is counted, as Will be seen from FIG. 2. This, naturally, is also the case with the embodiment according to FIG. 1, but with the second embodiment now described the advantage is that. the coins may be brought forward into a position in readiness for counting without hindering each other, wherefore the capacity of the apparatus is considerably increased. In all other respects the two embodiments are identical.

The invention has been described above with reference to an apparatus for Swedish coins, but it is readily appreciated, that it may also be applied to other types of coins.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment as shown, as a number of modifications and detail alterations may be introduced.

'What I claim is:

1. An apparatus for sorting and counting coins comprising, a sorting track, means for guiding coins onto said track, a collection means into which the sorted coins are deposited, contact members for coins of various denominations, a selector device operative, when a coin has engaged the contact member for coins of its particular denomination, to excite a counting relay and energize the same and cause the selector device to become operative to effect the discharge of the coin into the collecting means, the selector device including a rotary switch, a starting relay operative to start rotative movement of said switch, a drop relay for exciting the starting relay, a control member operative to cause energizing of the drop relay, said control member when energized being operative to transfer pulses from the contact members to the starting relay to thereby excite the starting relay and de-energize the drop relay, a readable counting device actuated by selector operation, a tens-transfer device then operative, and means for de-energizing the counting relay after the completion of the counting operation.

2. An apparatus as provided for in claim 1, wherein the tens-transfer device consists of a plurality of rotary switches similar to that of the rotary switch.

3. An apparatus for sorting and counting coins comprising, a sorting track, means for guiding coins onto said track, a collection means into which the sorted coins are deposited, contact members for coins of various denominations, a selector device operative, when a coin has engaged the contact member for coins of its particular denomination, to excite a counting relay and energize the same and cause the selector device to become operative to efiect the discharge of the coin into the collecting means, the selector device including a rotary switch arranged to be automatically set in operation when any one of the contact members is actuated, a contact closed by the setting of the switch in operation to thereby maintain the switch in rotation for one revolution and said contact being opened when the switch completes such revolution, a readable counting device actuated by selector operation, a tens-transfer device then operative, and means for de-energizing the counting relay after the completion of the counting operation.

4. An apparatus for sorting and counting coins comprising, a sorting track, means for guiding coins onto said track, a collection means into which the sorted coins are deposited, contact means for coins of various derelay and energize the same to cause the selector devicev to become openative to effect the discharge of the coin into the collecting means, a readable counting device.

actuated by selector operation, -a tens-transfer device then operative, and means for de-energizing the counting relay after the completion of the counting operation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,603,333 Riohey July 15, 1952 2,635,730 Seckula Apr. 21, 1953 2,828,073 Fennerty Mar. 25, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 538,701 Germany Nov. 20, 1931 

